Men's Basketball Holds First Practice of 2024-25 Season

Men's Basketball Holds First Practice of 2024-25 Season

9/24/2024 4:13:00 PM | Men's Basketball

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Jay Ladner opened year six at the helm of the Southern Miss men's basketball program on Tuesday as the Golden Eagles went through their first official practice of the 2024-25 season.

"I think we have a chance to have a good team. I think we have to stay physically healthy and mentally healthy," Ladner said. "Today is a good baseline. There were a lot of positive things, and I think we have an experienced team. It really reminds me of the team that we had two years ago with the way that they play together already with a lot of chemistry. "

Tuesday's practice started with a lengthy stretching period that provided high-energy and then segued into a ball movement session that features plenty of shots from beyond the three-point line. The Golden Eagles then went into about 90 minutes of offensive and defensive sets with live action.

Practice one ended with baseline sets before Ladner and Neftali Alvarez spoke with the media. With practice wrapped up, the chemistry Ladner mentioned was on full display as several guys stayed on the floor and talked while getting extra work in.

"We have to maintain [the chemistry]," Ladner said. "It's my job to ensure that we continue to go on that path. They seem to like each other off the floor. I thought it was a good start today."

Southern Miss returns the likes of Cobie Montgomery, Andre Curbelo, Trey Alfonso, Jeffery Armstrong, Tegra Izay, Jose Benitez, Lieb Yat and Alvarez. The Golden Eagles also welcome back Denijay Harris after the Columbus High School product spent the 2023-24 season at Arkansas. Harris previously played a key role on Southern Miss' squad that won the Sun Belt regular season title in 2022-23.

The Golden Eagles brought in the following transfer student-athletes: Alfred Worrell Jr. (John A. Logan), DeAntoni Gordon (Little Rock), Christian Watson (Miami), John Wade III (Stanislaus State) and Harris (Arkansas). They also signed a freshmen class that consists of Brewer Carruth (Parklane Academy), Christian Reid (Miami Prep) and Jett Montgomery (Independence HS).

Southern Miss will continue its preseason preparations for the season-opener on Nov. 4 against Bowling Green. It will also play New Orleans and Jackson State in exhibition games leading up to the opener at Reed Green Coliseum.

Season tickets can be purchased by going online at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or by visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office at corner of 4th Street and Golden Eagle way weekdays between 8 a.m. And 5 p.m. Follow @SouthernMissMBB on X, Instagram and Facebook for updates.